For example, if your chest measures 42 inches, and you are 5' 9" tall, a jacket or coat listed as ‘42 Regular’ will normally be a good fit. When estimating the ‘size to fit’ we take into account the garment cut & how it is meant to be worn.

We also show the actual measurements for each item, so you can check these against your individual requirements or items that you already own.

Condition Guide

We want you to be confident about your purchase from us. We use this clear and specific grading system to ensure that you know what to expect:

Grading

Mint: An item that is as perfect and pristine as when it was originally made and shows no sign of wear (mint condition is rare for vintage clothing).

Deadstock: An item that has remained unworn in it's original packaging for several years (sometimes decades).

Immaculate: An item that appears to have had very little wear.

Excellent: An item that shows very minor signs of wear from occasional use but has no significant flaws.

Very Good: An item that would be considered 'Excellent' but for some minor flaws.

Good: An item that is wearable but has some obvious flaws.

Restoration: An item has significant flaws but its historical value merits an investment.

Cleaning

All items are steamed, inside and out, prior to dispatch. Unlike some abrasive cleaners, steam is both penetrating and gentle at the same time. By effectively rehydrating and breaking the bonds of muck and dirt, it's highly effective at spot-cleaning and deodorising without rough treatment. Many manufacturers are now building steam technology into their latest washing machines and dryers. Frequent dry cleaning can be unkind to vintage natural fibres, and hence we recommend dry cleaning to remove very stubborn stains and marks only.

Measuring Guide

How do I know it will fit?

The size that we show in the item title is the ‘size to fit the wearer’. Where applicable, the suffix (Regular / Short / Long) denotes the length fitting:

For example, if your chest measures 42 inches, and you are 5' 9" tall, a jacket or coat listed as ‘42R’ will likely be a good fit. When estimating the ‘size to fit’ we take into account the garment cut & how it is meant to be worn.

Measurements

For extra reassurance we also show the actual measurements for each garment. You can use these measurements to compare to garments that you already own. This information is most important when considering the purchase of a bespoke tailored piece that, by it's nature, will not be cut to a standard pattern.

All measurements are taken with the garment laid flat. Measurements are displayed in 'old money', i.e. inches. For conversion into 'new money'; 1 inch = 2.54cms.

Raglan sleeve coats

c = sleeve from centre of nape to cuff measured along seam d = length (excluding collar) from nape of neck to hem

Waistcoats

a = underarm to underarm b = length from shoulder seam to parallel with tips

Measured at back:

c = length from nape of neck to hem

How to measure yourself

It's helpful, but not essential, to know your actual measurements. You’ll need a tailor’s tape measure and someone to help you.

Chest: With your arms at your sides, measure around the fullest part of your chest, across shoulder blades and under arms.

Trouser Waist: Measure the waist below the navel. The measuring tape should be snug (do not measure over your belt). Tell the truth!

Inside Leg: Unless you know each other intimately, this measurement is done with trousers on! Place the measuring tape at the crotch of the trousers and measure down to the bottom of the ankle.

A few points to remember

We sometimes need to ignore the size labels on vintage garments as they were often sized a little smaller in the old days. Over the years we have got used to ‘vanity' sizing! (The one exception is vintage overcoat sizing.) Also, garments may have been altered by a previous owner.

Alterations

Q: What alterations are possible?

A: Jacket chest and sleeve, and trouser waist and leg are all usually straightforward. Morning coats can be difficult due to their panel method of construction. Jackets with working cuff buttons can be altered from the shoulder, but there is more time and skill involved so expect to pay accordingly. Approximate costs:

A: No, simply because you need to try the items on first to ensure the alterations are accurate. Most alterations are straightforward and can be carried out by any competent local alterer. Garments cannot be returned after they have been altered.

Q: How many sizes up / down is it possible to alter?

A: One size up or down, e.g to change a 42 down to a 40 or up to a 44, is almost always feasible. Much beyond that can start to affect the balance / proportions of the rest of the garment.

Delivery Charges

UK (inc. BFPO) & ISLE OF MAN

Standard Delivery (4-5 working days): FREE (order must be placed online, not valid for telephone orders)

Tracked Delivery (2-3 working days): £4.95

Overnight Delivery (order by 2pm Monday to Thursday): £9.95 (orders up to 2kg) / £26.60 (orders over 2kg up to 10kg)

Saturday Delivery (order by 2pm Friday): £15.95 (orders up to 2kg) / £34.95 (orders over 2kg up to 10kg)

Overnight Delivery is by Royal Mail Special Delivery by 1pm the next working day (Monday to Friday) to mainland UK. Delivery to IOM & Scottish Highlands is within 2 working days. Delivery times to Scottish Islands vary. Overnight delivery is not available to BFPO addresses.

JERSEY & GUERNSEY

Order weight up to 2kg: £7.50 Royal Mail Tracked (2-3 days), £12.00 Next Day Mon-Fri

Order weight over 2kg: £7.50 Royal Mail Tracked (2-3 days)

Next Day Delivery is by Royal Mail Special Delivery (subject to customs clearance).

DELIVERY TERMS

Very remote overseas locations may incur a courier imposed surcharge. This must be paid by yourself before we can dispatch your order. We will send you a link to make payment.

Delivery will be made to the address specified by you on the completed order form. Royal Mail and other courier services are used.

If your order is returned to us because you have not collected it from the post office or courier within the time stated on the 'missed delivery' card you must pay a re-delivery charge (same amount as the original delivery charge) before we can re-send your order. If you subsequently choose to cancel your order the original delivery charge will not be refunded.

If your order cannot be delivered because the address you have given us is incomplete or incorrect you must pay a re-delivery charge (same amount as the original delivery charge) before we can re-send your order. If you subsequently choose to cancel your order the original delivery charge will not be refunded.

Any import duty payable is the responsibility of the buyer.

Credit Codes cannot be used to pay for delivery charges.

Returns

ALTERATIONS

It's often possible to alter garments to fit, and at very reasonable cost. Locating an experienced tailor / alterer in your area will increase your opportunities to secure items and ensure you are always able to get the maximum enjoyment from your purchases.

HOW TO RETURN SOMETHING TO US

There's no need to tell us that you are returning items. Fill out the returns form enclosed with your order invoice and send it with your returned item(s) within 14 days of delivery. If you have lost your returns form, please include a note of your order number and the reason for return. The feedback you give us will help all customers.

UK RETURNS (excludes Channel Islands)

UK RETURNS - Sale & Clearance items

Please return your item to us at the address shown further down this page. You are welcome to use our returns label (link above) at a cost of £5 (deducted from refund).

OVERSEAS RETURNS (includes Channel Islands)

Please return your item to us at the address shown further down this page. If you're returning items from outside the European Union, please clearly mark the package 'GOODS RETURNED TO MERCHANT UNDER RETURNS POLICY'. If the package is not marked in this way then it may incur customs charges which we would have to deduct from the amount to be refunded.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

We accept returns for any reason provided that the items have not been used or altered by yourself, are in the same condition as when we dispatched them, and our garment tags have not been removed.

We will not give a refund, exchange or credit note for any items not returned to us within 14 days of delivery, unless we have agreed a longer returns period with you by email before the initial 14 days returns period has expired.

Returned items are your responsibility until they are delivered to us. Ensure they are appropriately wrapped and secured. We recommend that you obtain a proof of posting.

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